Gadget #5: CK&T compact cutter

November 12th, 2005

Our next gadget is a little gem that can take the place of much larger bolt cutters usually found in breaching kits. It’s the Cutter’s Knife and Tool compact fence and cable cutter.

As the label says, it will cut fencing, barbed wire, and aircraft-type cable up to 5/32 diameter. It will not cut hardened steel like drill rod or piano wire.

It’s not much bigger than the Hobbit Hole pocket knife, and fits neatly in a pocket or pouch. I’ve tried it on large nails, which are not hardened, and it works as advertised. It’s quick, quiet, and takes little effort.

The secret is the cutting head, which has a unique pivot that puts the pivot point inside the wire, close to the outer edge. This provides tremendous leverage with short handles. The cutting action works on opening, rather than closing, the handles. When not in use, the handles are locked together, making the unit quiet and rattle-proof.

As usual, quality does not come cheap, and this gadget is in the $40 category. But it’s light and small, and can come in handy if you have to cut through chain link fence, aircraft cable, or mild steel chain. As such, it should have appeal for infantry.

Again, as with all other items in our Hobbit Hole gadget department, these cutters will go to the first service member that asks for them.

Entry Filed under: General, Troop Tech